Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Senior Move Manager?
A Senior Move Manager is a professional who specializes in assisting older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation.
Many have backgrounds in social work health care, nursing, gerontology and psychology and all share a commitment to working with seniors and a desire to do meaningful work.
Senior Move Managers have extensive knowledge about the costs, quality and availability of community resources. Because they focus exclusively on the move process, Senior Move Managers have significant expertise in the resources and approaches that save money, reduce stress and produce quality results.
Why are Senior Move Management Services needed?
Since many older adults making a transition have not moved in 30, 40 or 50 years, they may need to downsize considerably. Many typically find themselves overwhelmed by the process and/or are not physically able to do it.
Even though family and friends want to help, they often have geographic, demographic or psychographic barriers such as:
Live too far away
Stuck between the needs of aging parents & children
Juggle conflicting demands of careers, home and family
Restricted with helping because they are older themselves
Drained emotionally due to illness or death
As a result, the Senior Move Management Service sector has emerged to fill these gaps and to make the moving and adjustment process easier for everyone involved.
What do Senior Move Managers do?
Although specific services vary by provider, most Senior Move Managers can help with some or all of the following:
Develop and coordinate move plan
Organize and sort for downsizing
Create custom floor plan
Interview, schedule and supervise movers
Pack and unpack
Set up and decorate new homes
Make homes safe and accessible
Shop and purchase furniture and household goods
Change utility services (at old and new residences)
Handle shipping and storage of non-move items
Arrange profitable disposal of unwanted items (auction, estate sales, buy-outs, consignment, donation, etc.)
Stage current home to appeal to buyers
Clear and clean former home
Miscellaneous move related personal services
Home Again Transitions provides all of these services and more.
When Home Again Transitions specialists finish on move-in day, the new residence will have the look and feel of being “home again.” Below are a list of some of the services we will provide.
Hang mirrors and pictures
Decorate and arranged artifacts
Make the beds
Set the clocks
Connect the TV, VCR, DVD and cable
Set up computer and printer
Polish the furniture
Make everything look great
As a full service, family owned, Senior Move Management company, Home Again Transitions customizes services to clients’ needs to make a “smooth move and easy transition” from start to finish.
What questions should I ask Senior Move Managers?
What specific senior move services do you provide?
What do you charge for the services that you provide?
Do you add mark-ups to other services that you arrange?
Do you add mark-ups to services provided by others that you arrange for clients?
Do you provide written estimates and contracts?
How long have you been providing senior move management services?
Are you a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers?
What are your other professional credentials?
Are you fully insured for liability and workers compensation?
Can you provide me with references?
How do I get ready for my move?
Your Home Again Transitions Move Manager will make a move plan with you, outlining each step.
How far in advance do we need to begin the process?
It is never too soon to get a complimentary assessment to ease your worries. Timing also depends on how much needs to be done prior to the move. An estate sale can take a month or more to arrange. Everyone’s needs are different, so it is best to contact us as soon as you decide to make a move.
Can I pack some of my own things?
Absolutely. Remember that boxes get stacked in the moving truck, so a good packing job with the right supplies is important. You are responsible for the items in the boxes you pack.
I have lived in my home (or apartment) for years. How do I decide what to bring?
Your Home Again Transitions Relocation Move Manager can help lay out your new floor plan, measure the rooms and work with you to decide what items you want and what items will fit in your new home.
I need to downsize. Can you help me?
Our Move Managers are trained to be valued resources for downsizing. Whether you need resources for estate sale planners, appraisers, consignment shops, charitable organizations or online sales, we are happy to help.
Are you a moving company?
We plan, coordinate, and manage all aspects of your move. As part of that service, we hire only the best in moving companies to transport your cherished belongings.
I am moving to (or from) another state. Can you help me?
Yes. We plan and pack (or unpack) for long-distance moves. We also can assist in locating a similar service on the other end.
What are the real benefits of Home Again Transitions Move Management services?
NASMM Members have significant expertise in resources and approaches that save money, reduce stress and produce quality results.
Services are client-centered and personalized to meet the client’s needs and preferences. Families should never doubt the power of an outside expert.
NASMM members are reviewed for insurance and experience requirements prior to acceptance.
Ongoing educational programs reflect the NASMM commitment to professionalism and working with older adults.
NASMM has developed a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice for all members.
What makes a Home Again Transition Move Manager different from a moving company?
NASMM Move Managers provide a multifaceted approach to the move process: from space planning in the beginning to post move support and advocacy.
Home Again Transitions Move Managers minimize the chaos and stress associated with moving by addressing all aspects of the move process. They are responsible for creating and executing a seamless action plan that is customized to the client’s wishes.
Some, but not all, NASMM Move Managers are also movers. Those providers that are not movers will work closely with a reputable local moving company to complete that aspect of the job.
With the gentle and expert guidance of an experienced Home Again Transitions Move Manager, older adults and families make the key decisions without the emotional and physical distress that can follow. As a result, they avoid the costly mistakes and remorse that often accompany such major lifestyle transitions.
Home Again Transitions Move Managers do more than sort, settle and move boxes; with loads of energy, enthusiasm and experience, Senior Move Managers take the worry (and work) out of the move process. The client’s job is to simply enjoy his or her new living arrangement.